Award for hero of the highway

81 year old Matthew Fawcett, Scholes First and Nursery School lollipop man, received a Local Heroes award from the Pulse radio station

Published:09:00Monday 03 August 2015

A lollipop man who has been helping children safely across the road for over 15 years has been awarded for his good work.

Matthew Fawcett, 81, was nominated by Scholes First and Nursery School for a Pulse Radio Local Hero Awards for being their cheerful lollipop man and a much-loved part of their school.

Mr Fawcett, of Westfield Lane, was invited along to a glitzy ceremony in Halifax where he announced the Community Contribution winner 2015.

The awards celebrate unsung heroes across West Yorkshire and on the night raised £650 for Kirkwood Hospice and on the night there was entertainment from X-Factor stars including Only the Young and Lucy Spraggan.

Mr Fawcett, who started being a lollipop man in Gomersal 15 years ago, said: “It was a complete surprise.

“It’s something I really enjoy doing and it’s lovely to see children who I helped cross becoming teenagers - some who now tower above me.

“It’s lovely to watch them grow up.”

Mr Fawcett has helped children to safety at a few schools, before settling at Scholes.

He said: “I was at Spen Valley High three times a day - morning, lunchtime and evening. Then I heard about an opening at Scholes, which is just around the corner from home, so I asked to be transferred. I’ve been there about 12 years now.”

And even a poorly knee won’t stop him.

“I’m hoping to have a knee operation in September, but I will be back,” he said. “ There were rumours I was going to call it a day, but I will keep going.”

Grandaughter Jo Ford, said: “He’s a fabulous father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loves his job and even though he has a bad knee he is still looking forward to carrying on with his duties.

“All the family are so proud of him.”

Trending

Thieves carrying brick in attempted robbery at Batley newsagents

Noisy playtime in recess? Parents' bid for kid's 'space to think'

Teacher Mandy’s ‘incredible’ visit to Houses of Parliament

A decade after life support was to be switched off, Batley man Ismail completes Dewsbury 10k challenge

Man arrested as police probe spate of burglaries in West Yorkshire town